Premier League officially clarifies why Manchester United’s handball was not a penalty! Cunha’s foul language may lead to suspension, while Doku’s cramp is not serious.

Manchester United defeated Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium, reigniting the Premier League title race, with Manchester City admitting that on Sunday the skies over Manchester were completely red. During the match, 32-year-old English defender Harry Maguire handled the ball inside the box, but neither the referee nor VAR awarded a penalty, infuriating Arsenal fans.

At that moment, Manchester United was leading 2-1 when Arsenal substitute Mikel Merino took a shot, and Maguire fell to block it, with the ball clearly hitting his right hand. Arsenal fans, facing their first home loss of the season, protested loudly: “Maguire turned into a goalkeeper, how can that not be a penalty?”

However, the Premier League explained that the rules state: if a player’s arm is in a natural position supporting their body, and the ball touches the hand or arm, it is not considered a foul.

This explains why referee Craig Pawson and the VAR team did not intervene in Maguire’s handball incident.

On the other hand, another Manchester United hero from the match might face further punishment. Brazilian forward Cunha, who came off the bench to score the winning spectacular goal, celebrated by swearing at the camera on the sideline after scoring in the 87th minute: “It’s fucking me again!”

According to FA rules, a player who uses “aggressive, insulting, or abusive language” during a match may be sent off.

Cunha running up to the camera and swearing was definitely unwise. Now his fate depends on the FA, who have precedents to impose additional sanctions if they choose.

In April 2011, after scoring the winning goal in Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over West Ham, Rooney shouted at the camera “What? Fucking what?” and was subsequently suspended for two matches by the FA for using offensive and derogatory language. Rooney missed United’s Premier League game against Fulham and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

Coincidentally, Manchester United’s next opponent this time is also Fulham! Red Devils fans naturally hope Cunha will avoid punishment, but the outcome remains uncertain.

When Rooney was suspended for swearing, FA chairman David Bernstein was a Manchester City supporter. That year, after United reached the Champions League final at Wembley, Bernstein tried to shake Sir Alex Ferguson’s hand but was ignored by the legendary manager.

Currently, the FA is led by its first female chairwoman, Debbie Hewitt, who is a lifelong Liverpool fan!

After the match, Maguire said: “This was an extremely important game. We know that derbies at Old Trafford are always closely contested and unpredictable. Today, as the away team, we had to give our all. We discussed this before the match. Facing the league leaders who have performed exceptionally well this season, they pose many challenges. Although we faced setbacks late in the game, we ultimately secured the win. It was truly a fantastic performance.”

Maguire explained the changes since Carrick took over coaching. “Carrick’s performance as coach has been outstanding; he has brought new energy to the team, greatly boosting morale. Although these two matches were tough, and some might think our points gained are limited, winning two in a row is remarkable. Our squad is now much stronger as players returning from the Africa Cup of Nations are back.”

Another Manchester United goalscorer, Patrick Doku, was substituted late in the match due to injury. Carrick believes it was just a cramp and not serious. “He came off because of cramping. I hope there’s nothing worse. It might be too early to make a final judgment,” Carrick said.

Notably, Doku’s volleyed goal was also considered by Arsenal fans to have involved a prior handball. However, the VAR officials confirmed that the €30 million Manchester United defender controlled the ball with his thigh, not his arm, so there was no handball.